Swimming Pools in Ilford

Get active in Redbridge says the borough runs three council swimming pools, with a fourth planned in Wanstead, and all three sit in Ilford: Mayfield Leisure Centre and Pool, Loxford Leisure Centre and Fullwell Cross Leisure Centre. The council lists each as having a single 25m pool, and all three offer free parking, so the choice rests on what surrounds the water and how the place is run.

Mayfield is the highest rated of the three at 4.2 from 535 Google reviews, and reviewers keep returning to the staff, described as particularly supportive with nervous or first-time swimmers of any age. It is marked good for toddlers, has baby change, and Hussle lists free weights, group exercise and lane swimming alongside the pool, with floodlit astro turf pitches at the rear according to reviewers. Two cautions from the same reviews: the showers run very hot, so stand with young children, and loose hair in the water has been noted because a cap rule is not enforced.

Loxford, rated 4.0 from 253 reviews and listed for ages 3+, suits families whose children want structured football coaching in the same trip; coaches are praised and regulars visit several times a week. Reviewers note that siblings have nothing to do while waiting during sessions, changing rooms can have standing water, and the council says the pool cannot be booked through its app.

Fullwell Cross is the only one the council lists with a separate children's pool, and Swimming.org's Poolfinder notes pre-school lessons under the Learn to Swim Programme. Its rating is lower at 3.6 from 802 reviews, with customer service and dated facilities the recurring complaints; if the hydropool is the draw, reviewers advise calling ahead to confirm it is running.